SAN FRANCISCO — You can’t manufacture soul.
We’re a long way from the All-Star Game being a referendum on LeBron James’ clutchness — remember that 2012 game in Orlando when he passed up taking a winning shot, with Kobe Bryant in his face, only to throw an errant pass to Carmelo Anthony and Bryant berating him for missing the moment?
This year, James barely bothered to show up at all, announcing during his news conference he was resting his ailing foot and ankle in preparation for the Lakers’ stretch run, withdrawing from Sunday night’s activities.